Counties may get vote-by-mail option

SALT LAKE CITY — Voters in some Utah counties may be able to vote by mail rather than going to ballot box.

The House approved a bill Monday that would allow counties the option of vote-by-mail. Voting in person would also remain as an option. The lieutenant governor’s office would study the practice to determine whether to take it statewide.

Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, sponsor of HB172, said it would boost voter turnout in Utah, which consistently ranks among the lowest in the country.

Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, said vote-by-mail is not a panacea for low voter turnout and has “real potential for monkey business.”